Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

What is increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

A brain injury or some other health problem can cause growing pressure inside your skull. This dangerous condition is called increased intracranial pressure (ICP). It can lead to a headache. It can also further injure your brain or spinal cord.

This kind of headache is an emergency. It requires medical care right away. The sooner you get help, the more likely you are to recover.

What causes increased ICP?

Causes of increased ICP are:

Hydrocephalus, when you have too much cerebrospinal fluid. This is the fluid around your brain and spinal cord.

Bleeding into the brain

Swelling in the brain

Aneurysm

Blood pooling in some part of the brain

Brain or head injury

Brain tumor

Infections such as encephalitis or meningitis

High blood pressure

Stroke

What are the symptoms of increased ICP?

These are the most common symptoms of increased ICP:

Headache

Blurred vision

Confusion

High blood pressure

Shallow breathing

Vomiting

Changes in your behavior

Weakness or problems with moving or talking

Lack of energy or sleepiness

These symptoms may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is increased ICP diagnosed?

To diagnose increased ICP, your healthcare provider will ask about your past health and do a physical exam. You may also need:

A nervous system exam. This is to test your senses, balance, and mental status. Sometimes your healthcare provider can tell if pressure is high by looking into your eye with an ophthalmoscope.

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